The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with technical and financial support from World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a two days training on Primary Ear and Hearing Care Trainers (PEHC) on the 2nd and 3rd July. 2025.
The training aimed to train the trainers on the Ear and Hearing Care services for the Primary Health Care staff, including nurses and other healthcare workers who can subsequently deliver training across various provinces in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the training, Deputy Secretary Health Improvement (DSHI) Dr Nemia Bainivalu stated this training of trainers conducted because of the need identified to expand Ear and Hearing Care (EHC) services nationwide, considering the current healthcare system’s centralized model, where services are concentrated at the ENT Clinic of the National Referral Hospital.
“Therefore, EHC efforts should focus on strengthening the primary healthcare (PHC) system, as approximately 80% of EHC cases could be managed at the PHC level by adequately trained health professionals. This would also help address the logistical and financial challenges associated with referring patients to the capital”, said Dr Bainivalu.
He encouraged the ENT team to work with their other health-counterparts in order to achieve much needed EHC services across to the provinces.
He thanked World Health Organization for the technical and financial support for seeing the importance of the EHC service in SI.
World Health Organization Country Representative Dr Howard Sobel said hearing problems limit a person’s potential level of education, employability, social interactions, economic gain, and physical, psychological and mental health. However, he reiterated that up to 80% hearing conditions can be treated at PHC. He further encouraged the participants to bring the EHC services to schools.
Finally, he encouraged the participants to think strategically on how they can bring EHC services to general population.
Meanwhile, during the training WHO handed over 10 Diagnostic Set Otoscope/Ophthalmoscope LED 92871, 10 Pack disposable Otoscope Specula 4.25, 850pcs, 10 Plastic Syringes (60ml), 50 Manuals: Primary ear and hearing care: training manual, 10 Manuals: “Vision and hearing screening for school-age children: implementation handbook”.
– MHMS
